The GQA team has just completed an epic test run of the GQA Challenge.
Laying down the gauntlet, our chairman, Neil Ashley, set the team the challenge of embarking on a virtual charitable expedition from John O’Groats to Land’s End. Along the way, we were to take on the highest peaks in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England. Tackling real distance and real elevation.
Setting off at midnight on the 31st of July, the counter was set, with completion at midnight on the 6th of September 2026 as the looming target.
20 staff members stepped up to the start line and, though some injuries and tears wormed their way in, all survived, thrived and collectively embraced the challenge.
Our incredible team embarked on many impressive exercise feats and some managed to creatively turn their daily chores into inventive forms of exercise.
We had participants:
• Running Parkruns and completing the York 10K
• Exploring holiday destination sights by foot and kayak
• Completing long bike rides both home and abroad
• Tackling hill climbs and hiking the UK’s beautiful national parks
• Thrashing our rowing machines
• Bringing their family time into the mix – both human and canine – for hikes and swimming
• Climbing ladders with energy (and safety)
The list could go on!
What did we achieve by combining these efforts?
1,549 miles by land
78,709 feet of elevation
92 miles by sea between Scotland and N. Ireland
The challenge was conquered. The team succeeded with style.
But even more fantastic than that, we witnessed camaraderie. Team spirit was in abundance. There was banter. There was support. There was team growth as well as individual growth.
On top of that, £3,000 is going to Children With Cancer UK and, as Neil said in the debrief, how else can you spend money so well?
Whilst our team continues to recover – with our highest-elevation achiever receiving a well-earned massage to line himself back up – and embark on newfound or continued fitness journeys, plans are already brewing. Some of you responded earlier in the year that you’d be willing to join us in an epic challenge for charity – it will come.
Testing has proved to be a wonderful success. It was beautiful. We are so proud of the GQA family.